Director of Faith Formation - Parish Catechesis

I. General Description
Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation plans, develops, organizes, and evaluates the Faith Formation Program for the Parish (including PreK-6th, Junior High, High School, Adult Faith Formation, and RCIA).
The DFF coordinates, recruits, and facilitates training and evaluation for volunteers in faith formation programs. Researches and selects appropriate materials, media for programs, and processes. Communicates with parishioners, parish staff, and the Archdiocese, and keeps abreast of the current national trends and issues within faith formation and catechesis in general.

II. Essential Job Functions
• Develops goals, and objectives, and implements strategies for a comprehensive faith formation program that serves Pre-K through adults including preparation for sacraments.
• In conjunction with the Pastor, the formation team, and the Pastoral Council, develop and implement a coherent and unified curriculum and catechetical plan for the Church of the Holy Spirit Parish.
• Directs and oversees various faith formation programs that support a lifelong deepening of the Catholic faith for all parishioners consistent with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), National Directory for Catechesis (NDC), diocesan guidelines, and parish needs.
• Responsible for the recruitment, orientation, and training of volunteers/catechists to conduct the parish's catechetical programs.
• Assures volunteers/catechists receive mandatory Archdiocesan Safety Environment Training, "Virtus" training, and establishes and implements appropriate training programs for catechists to receive required certifications.
• Manages the formation team and works with them on the development of a yearly schedule for all faith formation programs.
• Responsible for administrative functions and maintaining all sacramental records for pertinent ministries (RCIA, Convalidations, "catch up" sacraments from CCD, etc) and program registrations and evaluations.
• Evaluates faith formation programs and makes recommendations to the Pastor.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with the school principal and teachers.
• Research available materials and provides necessary primary and supplemental materials for all programs and processes.
• Promotes programs and provides material for the parish bulletin, social media outlets, and website.
• Provides support to the formation team(s) for training, resources, and programs.
• Keeps current on developments/changes with Archdiocesan policies as they relate to formation and sacramental practices.
• Prepares annual budget for review by the Finance Council and oversees expenditures.
• Develops an accurate statistical picture of the sacramental prep efforts at the Church of the Holy Spirit and submits reports to the Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council as requested.
• Takes the lead in preparing for Sacramental celebrations.
• Attends Archdiocesan meetings convened by the Department of Pastoral Ministries.
• Keeps abreast of diocesan, national, and global Church trends in the field of catechesis.
• Attends appropriate workshops and professional development days.

III. Additional Job Functions:
• Commits to being an active member and Servant Leader and to creating a sense of connection and belonging to the Church of the Holy Spirit community.
• Performs any other job-related duties as necessary for the smooth flow of work in the department and/or as assigned by the Pastor.
•The following is a list of programs for which the DFF is responsible; Parish Elementary Faith Formation program, Parish middle school Faith Formation program, Parish high school Faith Formation program, Sacramental Prep programs for Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation for teens and adults, Youth ministry programs, Vacation Bible School, Little Church on Sundays, Scripture Study groups, Adult catechetical teams, RCIA for adults and children, infant baptism (Interview with parents, completion of baptismal packet, and prep classes), Archdiocesan Safety Training for all Parish Staff and volunteers, and Life Beyond Divorce Ministry.

IV. Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine and beliefs as presented in the documents of Vatican Council II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other relevant Church and Catechetical Documents.
• Knowledge of the RCIA process and a thorough understanding of the RCIA text.
• Knowledge of the multi-cultural dimensions of catechesis.
• Ability to assess needs and use results to develop catechetical processes.
• Leadership and teambuilding abilities to direct religious education and Sacramental preparation programs.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Computer literacy, excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of management, supervision, and administration; knows needs and resources of the parish community; must have updated knowledge of educational and catechetical trends and practices.
• Ability to work under pressure; must initiate, be creative, and anticipate solutions to problems, needs good judgment in emergency situations and when working with varied personalities and cultures; must be able to work through frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain accurate fiscal records, and budgetary and statistical data.
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups and maintain appointments and meetings on parish grounds.
• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to travel as required.

V. Minimum Qualifications
• Degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious education, or a related field (Master's Degree preferred).
• Three years of formation experience in a parish or diocesan position. Related degrees and comparable experience will be considered.
• Bilingual with writing skills in English and Spanish.

VI. Job Type
• Full-time exempt position, 40 hours per week; frequent weekends and some holiday work will be required.
• A background check and Safe Environment training are required of all parish employees and volunteers.
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications for the position.
• Employee benefits include vacation and sick time; health, dental, and vision insurance; a pension plan, and Archdiocesan life insurance.